Back in 2008, my book club won a contest to have dinner with Kimberla Lawson Roby. I volunteered to pick her up from the airport and drive her to the restaurant. I had just started seriously thinking about writing a novel and I jumped at the chance to have some one on one time with a New York Times Bestseller. We chatted during the drive from the airport and she asked me what I did for a living. I told her and added that I really wanted to do what she was doing. She didn’t laugh. She didn’t roll her eyes. She was encouraging and offered to read my first chapter. When she signed my book she wrote, “Thank you for everything. Please finish your novel.” Words that have motivated me to this day. Needless to say, I’ve been a bit of a groupie ever since.
Our book club went to see her in Augusta, GA the next year.
Tomorrow Kimberla will be in my town for a signing at Books-a-Million. Her new book, “Secret Obsession” came out this week. I will be there. Stay tuned for an updated picture.
What I’m reading now: “My Soul to Take” – Tananarive Due
What I’m listening to: “All Woman” – Lisa Stansfield